Managing multiple business locations brings plenty of challenges—staffing, operations, customer experience—but one area that’s often neglected is physical security. At Solucient Security, we’ve seen firsthand how minor oversights at one site can create major risks across your entire operation.

From backdoor access and outdated systems to forgotten emergency protocols, even well-run businesses can fall into security blind spots that leave them vulnerable.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the seven most commonly overlooked physical security gaps in multi-location businesses—and show you how to fix them before they turn into costly problems.

1. Unsecured Delivery Entrances and Loading Docks

Why it’s overlooked: These back entrances are often used daily by vendors and staff, and they quickly become informal access points. Out of sight from public view and front-facing cameras, they’re easy to forget about—and easy to exploit.

What can go wrong: We’ve seen unauthorized individuals slip through propped-open doors, leading to thefts that go unnoticed until inventory counts come up short. Delivery entrances are also frequent entry points during after-hours break-ins.

What you can do:

• Install cameras specifically positioned to cover loading zones and rear doors
• Use door sensors that alert managers when a door is left open too long
• Create a vendor access policy and ensure staff are trained on it

2. Outdated or Inconsistent Access Control

Why it’s overlooked: Many businesses rely on physical keys or standalone locks at each location. When someone leaves the company, the lock rarely changes—and even if it does, key copies can linger.

What can go wrong: Former employees, third-party vendors, or even staff from other locations may still have access. With no tracking or expiration process, unauthorized entries can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

What you can do:

• Upgrade to electronic access systems with badges or codes
• Use time-based credentials that automatically deactivate
• Manage access remotely from a central dashboard for all sites

3. Incomplete Surveillance Coverage

Why it’s overlooked: Business owners often install cameras where they think problems are most likely—like entrances or customer areas—but forget about employee-only zones, storage rooms, or dimly lit exterior spaces.

What can go wrong: Incidents happen in the least-watched areas. Whether it’s internal theft, vandalism, or an injury in an unmonitored stairwell, missing footage can prevent accountability or even open you up to liability.

What you can do:

• Conduct a surveillance audit to identify camera blind spots
• Use wide-angle or cross coverage cameras in vulnerable or high-traffic areas
• Make sure cameras are functional, properly maintained, and regularly reviewed

4. Gaps in Emergency Communication

Why it’s overlooked: Emergencies are rare, which makes it easy to deprioritize planning for them. But when something does happen—a fire, a medical issue, or a physical altercation—your response time matters.

What can go wrong: Without a clear plan, staff may panic, make unsafe decisions, or delay action. Locations may respond inconsistently, or not at all, if there’s no defined communication process.

What you can do:

• Create location-specific emergency procedures and train staff on them
• Post emergency contact info visibly at every site
• Run quarterly drills so employees know exactly what to do

5. Poor Oversight of Vendors and Contractors

Why it’s overlooked: From cleaners and delivery drivers to HVAC and maintenance workers, many outside vendors need building access—but not all of them are properly tracked or vetted.

What can go wrong: We’ve seen cases where contractors entered locations without supervision or after hours, causing property damage or security breaches. Often, no one even knew they were on-site.

What you can do:

• Require check-in procedures for all third-party workers
• Use temporary access credentials with clear expiration
• Assign a point person at each location to monitor vendor visits

6. Alarm Fatigue from False Alerts

Why it’s overlooked: If your alarm system triggers frequently due to employee errors, environmental conditions, or faulty sensors, your staff may start ignoring it.

What can go wrong: False alarms train employees to assume everything is fine—so when a real incident occurs, there’s hesitation or no response at all.

What you can do:

• Fine-tune your system to reduce false triggers
• Train staff on proper use of alarm systems
• Regularly review alarm data to identify patterns and adjust settings

7. Disconnected Systems Between Locations

Why it’s overlooked: Each location may have been set up at a different time, with different vendors or equipment. Over time, this creates a patchwork of inconsistent security tools across your business.

What can go wrong: There’s no central visibility. You might not know which cameras are working, which doors are unlocked, or what’s happening in real-time—especially during incidents.

What you can do:

• Standardize your security equipment across all sites
• Use a single, centralized system for monitoring cameras and access
• Work with a partner like Solucient to ensure consistency and full visibility

How to Identify and Fix Your Business’s Blind Spots

Knowing these blind spots is the first step—but how do you know which apply to your business?

That’s where Solucient Security’s Security Risk Review comes in.

Our experts conduct an in-depth, on-site (or virtual) review of your facilities to:

• Evaluate physical access points
• Audit surveillance and monitoring systems
• Assess emergency protocols and vendor access
• Identify inconsistencies between locations

We’ll then provide a custom action plan that’s practical, prioritized, and tailored to your operations.

Conclusion

Security blind spots don’t always look dangerous, but they can cost you big if left unchecked. Whether it’s an unlocked side door, a dusty emergency plan, or a camera that stopped working months ago, these small gaps can lead to real problems.

At Solucient Security, we specialize in helping multi-location operators uncover and eliminate these risks before they escalate. With our Security Risk Review, you’ll finally have peace of mind that your business is protected—inside and out.

Let’s close the gaps together.

Schedule your Security Risk Review with Solucient today and start taking control of the risks hiding in plain sight.

FAQs About Security Blind Spots in Multi-Site Businesses

What are the most common physical security blind spots in commercial buildings?

The most common blind spots include unsecured delivery entrances, inconsistent access control, poor surveillance coverage, gaps in emergency response plans, and inadequate monitoring of vendor activity. These areas are often overlooked because they don’t seem high-risk until something goes wrong.

How can multi-location businesses improve physical security across all sites?

Consistency is key. Multi-site businesses should standardize access control systems, centralize surveillance monitoring, and conduct regular audits across all locations. Partnering with a physical security provider like Solucient can help unify systems and close security gaps.

Why is vendor access considered a security risk?

Vendors and contractors often enter your facility without close oversight. If their access isn’t restricted or tracked, they could unintentionally—or intentionally—cause harm. Giving third parties temporary, time-limited access credentials and requiring check-ins helps reduce this risk.

What’s the best way to evaluate security risks in a multi-location operation?

A professional Security Risk Review is the most effective way to assess vulnerabilities. This evaluation includes a walkthrough of your facilities, review of surveillance and access systems, and recommendations to improve safety and control.

Why do many businesses ignore these blind spots until it’s too late?

Day-to-day operations often take priority, and if there hasn’t been a past incident, security concerns are easily overlooked. Unfortunately, most businesses don’t realize they have a vulnerability until after a theft, break-in, or liability issue occurs.

How often should physical security audits be done?

At minimum, physical security audits should be conducted annually. However, growing businesses or those experiencing high employee turnover, frequent vendor visits, or equipment changes should consider a bi-annual review.